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chandldj

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Small Network... do I need a full-blown server?

We are a small business that currently has 1 parttime and 4 fulltime users on a network. We are currently using one of the user's computer as a server. We are looking at purchasing a computer to be dedicated as a server.

Do you think it is necessary for us to go out and purchase a full-blown server such as a Dell PowerEdge server? Would we need a RAID system?

Finally can I just go with Windows XP Pro or should I get a copy of Windows Server? If so Pro or Standard?

We are looking for an economical solution and I was looking at just a Dell Optiplex with a good motherboard and fast hard-drive.



We will also have a good network backup system in place.

Thanks!

Dean
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chandldj

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Thank you... I should also point out that we are doing simple file sharing on this server plus hosting a small database (150 MB max) on FileMaker, which is our CRM system. Emails are handled on the individual computers. We will not be hosting any websites although we will put the FileMaker on a dedicated IP so that it can be accessed from the server remotely.

Is the harddrive speed important? I was looking at a 80GB SATA, 10,000 RPM, 3.0 Gb/s Hard Drive with Data Burst Cache... but I couldn't find it in higher capacity... currently our shared data is a total of about 10 GB.



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Thanks Leew... awesome info for me I appreciate it...

One more thing... I was looking at the following System...

Dell PowerEdge 840
Dual Core Xeon 3050, 2MB Cache, 2.13 GHz, 1066MHz FSB <<< Is this good enough?
MS-SBS includes 5 CALs <<< What is a CAL and is 5 enough?
2GB DDR2, 667MHz RAM <<< is this enough RAM?
Onboard SATA Controller - No RAID <<< Do I need RAID?
250GB SATA, 7.2K RPM Drive <<< Is this fine or should I go for SAS? Do I need multiple drives if I don't need RAID?

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Thanks to all especially leew... i really appreciate the detail and explanation in your advice! take care

Dean